“I mean they change. What works this year might not work next year. What y’all survive today might've broken you five years ago. What you forgive now, you would’ve walked away from before.”
Nina listened quietly.
“People always think they know what's best because they only see what you let them see.”
He paused to let that sink in.
“The only people who truly know what belongs in a relationship...”
His eyes met hers in the mirror.
“Are the two people sharing the bed.”
Nina looked back out the window. “I needed to hear this, thank you.”
“You make me feel safe.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Roberto glanced at her again.
She looked down at her hands. “My dad never...”
Her voice trailed away, and thankfully he didn’t expect her to share her thoughts with him. Roberto turned the music up, and by the time they made it to the front of Jio’s building, Nina felt lighter than she had all week.
Security greeted her by name before Roberto walked her to the elevator like he always did.
“I’ll see you in the morning, ma’am.”
“Goodnight, Roberto. Thank you for getting me home safe.”
The elevator doors opened directly into the penthouse.
Before she could even step inside, tiny paws skidded across the hardwood.
“Hi, big boy,” she cooed towards her pup.
The little dog came sprinting toward her so fast he nearly lost his footing before jumping into her arms.
“Look at my big boy.” She buried her face against his fur as his tail wagged uncontrollably.
She laughed, scratching behind his ears.
“You like it here, don’t you?”
She knew that his answer was yes. Nino was now walked every morning and groomed every two weeks. The way her life had changed… walks with Nino weren’t common these days. Nina no longer had to rush home out of worry that he’d been alone too long.
After some much-needed quality time with her pet, Nina sauntered up the steps into the master bedroom. The day was finally coming to an end and she was thankful.
She ran hot water into the oversized soaking tub before adding lavender bath salts and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Within minutes, steam filled the room.
She undressed and eased into the water with a long sigh. “Oohhh…..yesssss….” She felt relief as her entire body melted under the bubbles.
Her phone rested on the marble ledge beside the tub, so she reached for it to text her man.
Made it home safe. ??
Hurry home. I can't wait to see you.
The warm water lapped gently against her skin. Without thinking, her hand drifted to her stomach. It was still flat but there was a very strong possibility that a baby was inside.
